Monday, April 13, 2009

From Michelle: Each Monday through May 4, a different firefighter from Station Five visits RBTB to get up close and personal with you -- and gives you a chance to score a copy of Jo's wicked fine May 5 release, "Under Fire." Please welcome Jo Davis -- and the hero who's gonna be at the top of my 20?? Hero of the Year list -- with your warmest, "I SO can get with the Brad Pitt/Jon Bon Jovi conception visuals!" Bella Buongiorno...From Jo:Last week, my darling hubby took me out to lunch at a trendy new Mexican restaurant near our house. The place boasted yummy chips and salsa, first-class margaritas, and two wide-screen televisions playing CNN. Say what? Ladies, you probably already know where this is going. Yep, hubby’s eyes immediately fixed on the screen behind my head and throughout the entire meal my futile attempts at conversation were met with, yeah, uh-huh, and mmm. Grrr.

Not to worry. Afterward, he took me to Home Depot where I gleefully purchased new granite kitchen countertops and burned a hole in his wallet the size of Jupiter. Paybacks are a bitch.

But I digress. The point is, I was fresh from this date with my hubby the day before, waiting in the bar at BJ’s for my latest Station Five hottie to arrive for his interview, when in strolls the blond Adonis himself. And ladies, I do mean stroll. Lean hips swaying, mile-long legs carrying that lanky, but oh-so-well-muscled young body straight to my table. His crystal-blue eyes found mine, a big white smile spread across his stunning mug and…

Holy DNA, Batman! If Jon Bon Jovi and Brad Pitt had a baby, this man would be the result.

Stand back, sisters. This is a job for a Mature Woman.

I stood to greet Tommy and when he wrapped me in a warm hug, I easily forgot this man is 20 years my junior. Poof, gone. Didn’t matter. Because, damn he smelled heavenly and was so frigging strong. This was no kid. At all. And it didn’t escape my notice that as he released me and we took our seats across from one another, his eyes barely strayed to the multitude of wide-screen televisions around the sports bar before he gave me his undivided attention.

Repeat twenty-three times: I am a married woman!

Tommy: Hey, Jo! How’s it going?Jo: Well, my taxes are done, I’ve got a new deadline, and I’m having lunch with a gorgeous guy. I say life is pretty darned good. Yourself?Tommy (dimpling at the “gorgeous guy” comment): Well, my taxes aren’t done, but work is good and I’m here with a pretty lady. I’ve got no complaints.

Charmer. The man knows how to work it, for sure. I’m already putty.

Jo: Why don’t you tell me, Michelle, and the Bellas about your role at the station? Tommy: Well, I’m the low man on the totem pole, so to speak. I’ve only been a firefighter for a couple of years, and I just graduated from EMT to paramedic status a few months ago.Jo: What’s the difference between an EMT and a paramedic? I sometimes read those 2 terms in fiction books as though they’re interchangeable, or mean the same thing, but they don’t, do they?Tommy (growing serious, warming to his subject): No, they aren’t the same at all. An EMT has limited clearance to treat a victim at a scene—he or she can only treat superficial wounds, set bones, stuff like that. An EMT is not allowed, for example, to administer meds to a vic or perform invasive procedures. A paramedic, on the other hand, has more training and can take whatever action necessary to treat a victim until arrival at the ER.Jo: That’s interesting to know. And congrats on earning your new status!Tommy: Thanks. (he pauses, picks at a napkin) It’s not exactly what I envisioned myself doing a few years ago, but I love my job.

Now we’re getting somewhere. There is more to this young man than a pretty face. He has a story, and I want to know what it is.

Jo: What did you envision yourself doing?Tommy (give me a wistful smile): In college, I was a quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Had all sorts of scouts looking at me to go pro. But then…my older brother was killed in Iraq and I came home. My family sort of…fell apart. I never went back to Alabama.He might be young, but at this moment, his eyes are old. Haunted.Jo: I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t mean to bring up something so terribly painful.Tommy (pasting on a smile): Hey, it’s okay. We’re surviving, one day at a time. And if I’d gone back, I never would’ve met the girl of my dreams. Only she sees me as a kid, and refuses to think of me as anything but a friend. For the moment, anyway.

The sparkle is back, my insides melt at his smile, and I wonder what’s wrong with this girl.

Jo: What’s her name?Tommy: Shea Ford. She’s an ER nurse at Sterling, and has the prettiest curly brown hair. She has a dry sense of humor, and she makes me laugh. I don’t think she has any idea how beautiful she is to me.

Jo: Tell me and the Bellas, how did you two meet?Tommy: Well, I don’t want to give away too much of Zack’s story, ‘cause that’s his gig, but we met when the gang gathered at the Waterin’ Hole one night. She’s the best friend of Zack’s new squeeze, Cori, so she came along. I put on all my best moves, and she shot me down in flames. For now. (he waggles his brows) Jo (laughing): I can tell you’re not going quit until you make her believe. Go after your woman, my friend! Don’t let her get away.Tommy: I’ll do my best, you can count on it.Jo: In the meantime, something tells me you have quite an adventure ahead, and that the road is not going to be smooth for a while. But don’t worry, things always work out the way they’re meant to.Tommy (hopeful): Promise?Jo (lips curving into a knowing smile): I promise. Thanks for joining me, Tommy. It’s wonderful to see you again. Now, why don’t we open the floor to Michelle and the Bellas?

*Bellas, ask Tommy anything you’d like and/or share your story of how you won over your significant other. Or vice-versa! How did your honey win you over?

***Join us May 4 for the Day B4 Drop Day Partay with chances to win lots o prizes plus trio of signed FS5 romances from Jo and copy of "Under Fire!"***

93 comments:

Buongiorno, Bellas. Welcome Jo and Tommy! I'm, well, ok, totally blushing, because I have this big ol' crush on you. Well, not you, Jo, though I think you're really sweet and talented an all -- but I mean you, Tommy. I'd be giggling like a schoolgirl now if I were capable of breathing. Which I'm not at the moment. I'm so deliriously enamored of you and, now that I've gotten to know you a little better, I can see that my expectations and instincts were right about you.

Listen, if anybody can give you advice (usually unasked for, but, hey, it's free) about how to win a girl's heart based on 'how we met' stories, it's the Bellas. And, I think a few of us could even give you 'how I hope to meet...' advice, too.

Any guy who QBd for the Crimson Tide is savvy enough to know how to make a play based on information and instinct. So stick with us today and we'll give you the moves to have Shea seeing you with her eyes wide open. Cause you know, the way to a woman's heart is through her eyes and ears. That sounds creepy, but you know what I mean.

How's it hanging, big guy? Sigh, if you weren't about my son's age, I could sooooooo teach you a few things!! MMmmmmmmmmm... I am looking forward to hearing Jo's story for you. :) Any special kinks...er...things you'd like to tell us? You can whisper in my ear, I promise not to tell...

Morning All! Hi Tommy! Great to have you with us today. I'm rushing out the door to work - I'm sure you can relate - but just had to take a minute to welcome you. Congrats on making paramedic!

I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. Losing someone you love has to have had a profound effect on your life. I admit to thinking you were just a cute, fun kid but I can see from your meeting with Jo that there's more than meets the eye when it comes to you. Once Shea gets to know the man under "all those right moves" I'm sure she won't be able to resist you. I can't wait to read all about it! :)

Hey there everyone!!! And a special hello to my southern friend, Tommy!! I'm a Georgia girl and you know how us Georgia girls like our 'Bama boys *wink wink* Although I will have to forgive your choice of college!!! LOL! You know the love/hate relationship between Georgia and Alabama. I'll just choose to hate the school and LOVE you honey!

A mix between Brad and Jon?? Jo, you have truly outdone yourself! To me, that's pretty much the ideal guy right there. And when you add a southern accent, Tommy you got me :)

Tommy, I am sadden to hear about the loss of your brother. Do you have any other siblings?

I hear you on the QB moves--I'm not too shabby at getting a girl's interest. Finding one I wanted to keep was another matter. Then when I did, she throws me a curveball by not wanting me back. The "you're a good friend" thing is a total kick to the groin. Never knew something so cliche could ouch like that. Sigh.

Hey Suz! Good to see you again. We know how to rock BJ's, don't we, darlin'?

It's hangin' slightly to the right, babe. And age doesn't matter to me one bit--it's the pepper in the salsa, you know?

Hmm, kinks...I'll tell you and the ladeez a secret...sometimes I like to be tied up. With her in charge. Oh, I'm pretty dominant most of the time, but there's something about indulging that particular kink every once in a while that revs my motor...

Buffie, darlin', I appreciate you cutting me some slack on my school of choice! :) You *know* the Crimson Tide has the most kick-ass football program, like, ever. Facts are facts, babe. Smooches at ya.

Ok, the Brad and Jon thing is a little creepazoid, folks. I so did not know Jo was gonna write that! Besides, those dudes are like, OLD!!

Buffie, thank you for the condolances. My older brother was my only sibling, and his loss has been devastating to all of us. My parents live in fear because of my job now, but you can't live your life based on what might happen. I do what I have to do so I can get by each day.

Great to be here! Michelle, I forgive you for liking Tommy better than me. LOL. :)

Suz, you're a naughty woman, asking about our sweet boy's kinks! And he's just as naughty for indulging you! What will I do with you two?

Hi Stacy and PJ! (waving) :)

Buffie, I love my Brad and Jon comparison! I don't care if it creeps Tommy out or not, it's the bald truth. he he

Ev, I hear you on the younger man thing. A couple of months ago, I went with some writer friends to a new sports bar/grill where a very young, hot waiter flirted outrageously with me. I flirted back because, ehem, I am SO not dead yet, but I also felt sort of like I could get arrested for thinking of this kid THAT way!! LoL!

I'm a War Eagle mom myself, but I think I could be pulled over to the dark side for you. Oh wait! I'm another of those old enough to be your mother. So I'll just have to offer motherly advice and tell you to never give up and you'll win over that ER nurse. Don't be pushy though. And remember it's the little things that matter -- like flowers on her birthday, but they have to be her FAVORITE flowers. You can probably find that out by ever-so-smoothly asking some of the other nurses she works with. And you're smooth, aren't you Tommy?

Hi Michelle, and Bellas and Jo! Jo, you are rocking this series like nobody's business! I cannot WAIT until I have that great "just finished a wonderful series" feeling so that I can go back to the beginning and start all over again;)

Tommy! I am a Alabama girl, myself (though sadly, I know nada about football). I even went to U of A so we can talk Tuscaloosa if you want:-) I'm sorry about your brother. I'm pretty close to my sister and I don't know what I'd do if something happened to her.

I love that you are being so patient about Shea. Sometimes a patient man is exactly what a reluctant lady needs. Of course sometimes an IMpatient man works even better;)

And unfortunately, you're right about nurses and their BS meter! Whenever one of us is injured and brought in to the ER, they cut us no slack. Fuss at us when we're hurt and needin' some lovin'. They're tough ladeez, for sure. Sigh.

Hi Tommy and welcome. So you've been a 'uniform guy' for some time being you played football and now are in fire fighting uniform. I love my guy in a uniform.

Dh caught me by being so sweet and kind among other qualities. He and the boys would come down for a weekend and he insisted on buying groceries. I said 'no way' you are my guests. He said 'but there is 3 of us and I insist on buying food'. He got me.

I had to be a War Eagle mom; #1 son was there for seven years after all. And that's where he met his lovely wife. And the way he proposed to her shows just how far a guy will go for the woman he loves.

Manda, thanks so much! I too cannot wait for that "I just finished a wonderful series" feeling-- but from a totally different perspective! LOL. I'm working on Tommy's story right now and let me tell you, it's going to rip your heart out.

I never told mine, in fact. I met my dh at a bowling tournament. I wasn't bowling, but was with a group of folks who were and had lost a teammate. My future dh walked up to fill the vacant spot to finish the season, my jaw hit the floor (who IS this gorgeous man?!) and he talked to me the whole time. Got my phone number, called me 2 days later, and we haven't been apart since.

Play, you wrote: You can probably find that out by ever-so-smoothly asking some of the other nurses she works with. And you're smooth, aren't you Tommy?

That, Marilyn, (not the smooth part, although that helps) is my number one advice to guys for being romantic. Don't make her ask for what she wants all. the. time. Take the pressure off the 'does it all, all the time' woman by doing exactly what you've advised, Play. Best advice, ever. If more guys paid attention to it, more marriages would be saved. I'm totally not kidding.

ev and Jo, you naughty women! Well, at least you fess up. I had a totally mortifying experience when I was at dinner w/ pals a few months back and we had a cute little boy waiting on us, probably early 20s. He was very gregarious, friendly. And I was with a certain writer pal -- we'll call her Lois Greiman -- with whom I can't seem not to talk about, well, male members.

Anyhoo (a term which I have to use, since we were in MN at the time, which probably is why things went down the way they did), the waiter guy comes to our table after dinnner's cleared and we're jez gabbing, giggling and being fairly raucous in a contained way, and asks what else we might need. All I do, I swear, is say to him (because I have no filter and, in my defense, always compliment people, "You have the prettiest eyes."

We literally don't see him for the rest of the night. I felt like the biggest, creepiest, most pathetic cougar on Earth. I still cringe thinking about it.

Hey, Michelle! I've been here for a while, checking out Tommy--I mean, the conversation. yeah. :) Can't image what has you so distracted!

You're totally right about the guy paying more attention to what the lady wants. The toughest period of adjustment was my dh getting to really know me, and to understand I get tired of telling him what I need. Of course, 20 years later, he's a pro! :)

Tommy said: Pantyhose?! Dude, that's just so wrong. I mean whatever floats somebody's boat, but the image of a fellow alumni QB and a famous one wearing hose...I'm getting an image here. Somebody save me!

Alas, Tommy, it's true!! Avery famous magazine add had old Broadway Joe in pantyhose. Of course I was still in grade school at the time, but he also wore a big fur coat....sort of like a pimp would wear in the '70's!

I'd be careful letting any of the guys at S5F know you played for The Crimson Tide...as quarterback...it might come back to haunt you!

Yeah, I guess so, ames (says Michelle, with only a trace of bitterness...)

Jo...I'm dyin here, but, only because I'm wondering for the Bella's sake, of course. When might we, oh, I dunno, expect to get the full skinny on Tommy's and Shea's love story. I mean, our boy, Tommy's gonna score, right? With all the advice we're givin' him today -- and that charisma (and by charisma, I mean, well, you know) -- how can he not?

Hi, robynl! Man feeding woman. That is the best! I love that his gesture really got you. And that you let him bring his friends? You're a better woman than I. :)

Hi, Manda! Um, are you hittin on my Tommy? Cause, you know, it's my duty with respect to the guest/host relationship as it relates back to medieval times to protect my guests. If I have to throw myself on him to keep him from harm, I'm willing to make the sacrifice. Just warnin you, Miz Manda.

Peej! Hope your workday is great! See, I know you see so much more in Tommy, too. We're oh, so wise, and certainly not looking at him as if he were simply a piece of lovely, juicy meat. Not you and me. Nopers.

Moi, Michelle? I would never, ever hit on a guest in this fine establishment! Though I admit, I do have a thing for the blond heroes. They are so rare in Romancelandia you know. And if I were to come across one, say, standing at the corner of Sexy and Delicious Streets, I might just have to trap him like the fine, fine specimen he is!

I am sure we all know the *lengths* to which you'd go to protect the honor of your guest...Why, if it means throwing yourself on him to keep us from mobbing him, I firmly believe you'd do it!

Suz said: Avery famous magazine add had old Broadway Joe in pantyhose. Of course I was still in grade school at the time, but he also wore a big fur coat....sort of like a pimp would wear in the '70's!

Suz, I'm totally freaked here. Disallusioned. I can't believe this is true. Do NOT let the turdballs on my team know about this! I'll NEVER hear the end of it...

Wow, I'm a little tardy for the party here, aren't I? Hi, Jo - so glad you're here again - it's so nice when you stop by, especially when you bring one of "the" guys along! Welcome, Tommy. I'm especially excited to read how you and Shea click. Have you ever been interested in an "older" woman before?

Speaking of older women, we're having chilly rain in Ohio today - it's downright miserable, and I need a pick me up. Could you please come over and be my stimulus package?

Hi TommyIt's great to meet you. Being from Mississippi (GO DAWGS!) I'm pretty partial to Southern men, but there is something about an "Alabama boy" in particular— even if you did go to the wrong college. ; ) Looking forward to reading your story!

But Tommy, dear, we don't expect you to do anything like this. Nuh uh. No siree. You could model boxer-briefs or Underarmor t-shirts. Or you could be the spokesman for men's body wash and show the lather on that awesome chest of yours.

Oh Tommy, honey, there's a slight problem. You see, I have a 23 year old daughter. I just couldn't um...you know... with you...it just wouldn't be right. But my daughter, now she's a sweetheart, she's beautiful (yes, I do say so myself!), and she is currently available. I guess that Shea might not be so appreciative, huh?

Hi, Tommy! Great to have you visiting! And thanks for explaining the whole EMT/paramedic thing--I have friends who've done that and didn't even get the difference then! Best wishes for winning over the woman of your heart! Persistence is a good thing (uh, as long as you don't go the crazed stalker route ;)) Anyway, it worked for me :)

Well hello Jo and Tommy and Michelle! Looks like you've had a busy day here!! I think I've been happily married for about as many years as Tommy is old! Soooo - I'll just say: if she is the right one, don't let her get away! But remember to allow her to be who she is (no masks!) and have a great time! BTW - sorry bought your brother and you not getting to stay at Alabama... (even if I am a Gator girl!)

Hi Tommy, Jo and Michelle!I remember meeting my hubby in college and he had to win me over! He was like the 'head' of the college cafe! He was humorous and I had saw him while sitting in the cafe and seemed he started to come the same time I did. Then with friends, we walked over there and started chatting with them and he asked me to join his table the next day and I was thinking I liked him but no way did I want to be at the center of attention at that table! It may sound weird, but at this college for the deaf, alot see more than anything, whats happening. After a few times of him asking I gave in to doing that at dinner and we haven't been apart since for 15+ years. So he won me over!